Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian will visit Iloilo City by first week of December 2025 to join the filing of cases against 13 barangay officials. 

The cases are in relation to anomalous distribution of cash aid through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

Barangay officials to face charges consist of barangay chairpersons (punong barangay), kagawad (councilmen/councilwomen), and barangay secretaries.

According to DSWD Assistant Secretary Paul Ledesma, at least 17 barangay officials were investigated, but charges will be filed against the first 13 officials based on pieces of evidence available.

“6 na barangay and a total of 13 personalities na identified doon sa mga case folders na isinumite ko na kakasuhan namin. Nakita ko rin ang mga probable charges na inilatag nila, total to apat na charges. Gusto ni Secretary Rex na nandito siya sa pag-file ng cases,” Ledesma said.

Ledesma added that the 13 barangay officials are from the Districts of Arevalo and Jaro but he did not provide any further details.

DSWD is also investigating on information that there was alleged instruction to “use the system” in the distribution.

“Parang isang system kasi bakit magkakapareho ang amount.  Any normal mind would really think na may command and control sa likuran. Kaya sinasabi ko na systemic at organized,” Ledesma stressed.

DSWD vows to tighten its protocols in the distribution of various cash assistance, pending the approval of a recommendation to have all cash aids stopped.

“During our pay-out we intensify our advocacy, our statement and messaging to our beneficiaries na wala kahit sino, pulitiko man o mga lider sa mga barangay na makakabawas ng porsyon ng inyong ayuda,” Joselito Estember, DSWD 6 director, said.